Update: The disgraced co-owner of the Clippers has pulled his support from a deal to sell the team and will pursue a $1 billion suit against the NBA, his lawyer says. In a statement Tuesday he also blasted the league for trying to take away his rights.

Like it or not, Microsoft is going to be a consumer-oriented company with its enterprise services funding the rest of the company. Yesterday’s announcement basically confirms the former Microsoft CEO’s vision.

The impending retirement of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer within the next 12 months comes during a difficult time for the software giant.Microsoft is in the midst of charting a new strategic direction after losing ground to rivals and credibility with consumers. Ballmer’s departure, along with a number of other senior executives over the last year, leaves Microsoft with more questions than answers.

Shares of Microsoft, led by Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, ended the week on a dour note, down about 10%, after the software giant reported weak second quarter earnings that were impacted by the declining PC market and a nearly $1 billion charge for unsold Surface tablets.